"Izge Bolgar Zhyeni" Draws 25,000 Participants
"Izge Bolgar Zhyeni" Draws 25,000 Participants
17 May
On 17 May 2026, the town of Bolgar once again became the focal point for "Izge Bolgar Zhyeni", a major spiritual and cultural celebration marking the anniversary of the official adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria. The event brought the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum" to a close and drew a crowd of 25,000.
Among the honoured guests were Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan; Talgat Hazrat Tajuddin, Supreme Mufti of Russia and Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia; Abu-Bekir Hazrat Shabanovich, Mufti and Chairman of the Board of the Muslim Religious Community in the Republic of Belarus; Kamil Hazrat Samigullin, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan; Ravil Hazrat Gainutdin, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation; Albir Hazrat Krganov, Mufti and Chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia; Nafigulla Hazrat Ashirov, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Asian Part of Russia; and Bishop Pakhomy (Dmitry Bruskov) of Chistopol and Nizhnekamsk.
The opening ceremony took place at the Memorial Sign. Supreme Mufti Talgat Hazrat Tajuddin stressed that the adoption of Islam in 922 ranks among the most momentous events in the history of the people. He also noted that new mosques, museums, and Islamic educational institutions have since been built on this land, with the Bolgar Islamic Academy holding a place of particular distinction.
Guests of "Izge Bolgar Zhyeni" joined Supreme Mufti Talgat Hazrat Tajuddin in performing a collective namaz amid the ruins of the ancient Cathedral Mosque, beside the Great Minaret. Throughout the day, all museum sites of the Bolgar State Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve were open to visitors.
The "Izge Bolgar Zhyeni" programme also featured the CIS Koresh Championship. Over 100 wrestlers from CIS countries took part, competing in an absolute category and across ten weight classes.
The absolute champion of the tournament was Radik Salakhov, a Merited Master of Sport, eight-time Russian champion, and three-time world champion. The top prize — the keys to a new car — was presented to the winner by Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Among the honoured guests were Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan; Talgat Hazrat Tajuddin, Supreme Mufti of Russia and Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia; Abu-Bekir Hazrat Shabanovich, Mufti and Chairman of the Board of the Muslim Religious Community in the Republic of Belarus; Kamil Hazrat Samigullin, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan; Ravil Hazrat Gainutdin, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation; Albir Hazrat Krganov, Mufti and Chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia; Nafigulla Hazrat Ashirov, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Asian Part of Russia; and Bishop Pakhomy (Dmitry Bruskov) of Chistopol and Nizhnekamsk.
The opening ceremony took place at the Memorial Sign. Supreme Mufti Talgat Hazrat Tajuddin stressed that the adoption of Islam in 922 ranks among the most momentous events in the history of the people. He also noted that new mosques, museums, and Islamic educational institutions have since been built on this land, with the Bolgar Islamic Academy holding a place of particular distinction.
Guests of "Izge Bolgar Zhyeni" joined Supreme Mufti Talgat Hazrat Tajuddin in performing a collective namaz amid the ruins of the ancient Cathedral Mosque, beside the Great Minaret. Throughout the day, all museum sites of the Bolgar State Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve were open to visitors.
The "Izge Bolgar Zhyeni" programme also featured the CIS Koresh Championship. Over 100 wrestlers from CIS countries took part, competing in an absolute category and across ten weight classes.
The absolute champion of the tournament was Radik Salakhov, a Merited Master of Sport, eight-time Russian champion, and three-time world champion. The top prize — the keys to a new car — was presented to the winner by Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan.
